Daylight Savings: 7 Ways to Make the Most out of that Extra Hour

Daylight Savings: 7 Ways to Make the Most out of that Extra Hour

Spring forward and fall back one hour is a great way to remember how to change your clocks for daylight saving time. DST will take place on November 2, 2014 at 2 am. The United States will not have to deal with another daylight savings time until the second Sunday in March 2015. The idea behind daylight savings time is to save energy and take advantage of the hours during the daylight. Here are 7 ways to make the most of that extra hour.

1. Exercise at least 30 minutes everyday before 5pm

Exercising daily reduces stress and anxiety. Working out releases serotonin, which is a chemical that increases your energy and also helps adjust to new schedules. Try to stay away from working out after 5pm to give your body time to relax when it’s time to go to sleep. If you like to workout at night try to end your workout at least three hours before your bedtime.

2. Relax before going to bed

Refrain from doing work or stressful related activities before going to sleep. Listening to relaxing music or taking a long hot hot bath before bed will better your sleeping habits. Stressful activities causes the body to release a chemical called cortisol which increases alertness.

3. Take naps earlier in the day

People who take naps during the day often find it quite complicated to fall asleep at night. Napping during the day encourages your body to stay in the same routine so straying away from naps is best. If you feel the need to take a nap, try to limit it to earlier in the day (before 5pm) and keep it short.

4. Eat responsibly

For best sleeping results try to eat at least three to five hours before going to sleep. If three to five hours is a long time for you feel free to snack on healthy items that you feel will not disturb your sleeping habits. Fried food, sugary food, spicy food, and food with refined carbohydrates should all be avoided right before going to sleep.

5. Limit alcohol consumption

Limit alcohol consumption to one beverage with dinner and no more for the rest of the night. Alcohol is responsible for interrupting healthy sleep cycles. Alcohol can bring on sleep, but after a few hours it can act as a stimulant in the body. Overall, try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages three hours before going to sleep.

6. Make a clear distinction between day and night

In the morning when you first wake up, take full advantage of the sunlight by opening up your curtains or shades in your bedroom. Natural light maintains your body’s internal clock and keeps it on a healthy sleep cycle. Taking a lunch break outside is another way to maximize your body receiving the most natural sunlight. In the evening, close your shades and curtains and dim the lights in your house that way your body knows it’s time to prepare to go to sleep.

7. Create the ultimate sleeping environment

The overall feel and look of your bedroom has a lot to do with how well you sleep at night. If there is a lot of outside noise where you live you should consider looking into getting earplugs or heavy black out curtains to maintain the darkness in your room. A quiet, dark, and soothing environment will increase your chances of having a good night sleep.